Calculating the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from drinking quantities is a routine task in forensic alcoholology. It is always carried out, for example, when suspects in traffic offenses claim a post-drink, i.e. an alcohol intake after the incident and the BAC resulting from such a post-drink is to be deducted from the measured BAC. It is also carried out if an alcohol-related reduction/elimination of the culpability of a suspect or the capacity to act of a victim of violence is in question, but no corresponding blood sample is available for an alcohol determination.
For such forensic alcohol calculations, the formula developed by Erik Widmark (1889 - 1945) (see figure) is used, in which the ingested alcohol mass in g and the so-called reduced body mass in kg are included as variables. The former can be calculated from the volume and alcohol content of the alcoholic beverages consumed, the latter from the body mass of the person concerned and a constitution-dependent reduction factor. For the calculation of the BAC values at a specific point in time, the alcohol reduction in the meantime must also be taken into account
In the course of the event, a presentation will first illustrate how the "drinking alcohol" ethanol is absorbed into the body after the consumption of alcoholic beverages, distributed in the body and finally eliminated again. On this basis, the method used in forensic practice for calculating BAC from drinking quantities will then be presented and explained using examples.
At the hands-on station, interested visitors will have the opportunity to carry out alcohol calculations themselves. The calculator apps available for smartphones are sufficient for this purpose. Alternatively, it is also possible to carry out the calculations computer-based using corresponding data sheets. The supervising employees are always available to provide assistance and explanations and to discuss the results.
Offer: Lecture and hands-on offer
Location: House F2 | Stand 24 (seminar room)
Dates: 118:15, 20:15, 22:30 & 23:15
Minimum age of participants: Not suitable for children under 12 years of age
Further information can be found on the homepage of the Department of Toxicology at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the UKJ.
